Catch More Fish with These DIY Silicone Fishing Lures!

Fishing is a favorite pastime for many people, and with the right equipment and lures, it can be an even more enjoyable experience. Silicone fishing lures have become increasingly popular due to their lifelike movement in the water. Many anglers prefer using silicone lures compared to traditional ones because of their effectiveness in catching various types of fish.

However, buying pre-made silicone fishing lures from bait shops or online stores can sometimess be pricey for those on a budget. Fortunately, making your own DIY silicone fishing lures at home is a simple and cost-effective solution that will help you catch even more fish than ever before!

“The beauty of creating your own silicone fishing lure is that you can customize it to suit your specific needs and preferences. ” – Bob Sagely

To get started, all you need are some basic tools such as mold-making silicone, liquid plastic resin, pigments or dyes, hooks, and barrel swivels. With these materials at hand, anyone can easily create custom-designed fishing lures tailored to attract different kinds of fish species.

If you’re looking for a fun way to enhance your angling experience while saving money on baits and expanding your tackle box collection, then read on! This article provides step-by-step guidance on how to make creative and effective DIY silicone fishing lures from scratch.

Gather the necessary materials

If you are interested in making silicone fishing lures, it is essential to gather the necessary materials before starting. Here are some of the things that you will need:

1. Plastisol – You can purchase this material at any online or offline store selling fishing tackle supplies. Plastisol comes in different colors and thicknesses; choose according to your preference. 2. Silicone Mold Making Material – You will require a mold for creating your lure design, and this material helps with it. It’s beneficial if you have multiple designs so you can create various sizes in one go. 3. Catalyst – The catalyst works as a hardening agent for plastisol, helping it cure into its final shape quickly.

Once you have gathered these essentials, make sure to get yourself protective gear like gloves since these substances generally contain chemicals that may harm human skin on repeated exposure.

“Silicone fishing lures are gaining popularity due to their flexibility, durability and varied alternatives they come in. ”

Making silicone lures indeed involves more effort than purchasing them from stores but having such customized options makes up for it all! With many tutorials available online, one can learn how to do it well without too much difficulty!

What you’ll need for making silicone fishing lures

If you’re an avid fisherman, then it might be a great idea to make your own fishing lures. You can customize them according to the type of fish you want to catch and add any design that suits your preferences. Here’s what you’ll require to make silicone fishing lures:

Silicone Rubber: To make soft plastic bait, choose a liquid silicone rubber that is appropriate for molding.

Catalyst: Since silicone rubbers expand at their curative phase, they are layered on coatings over foam balls using catalysts or hardeners along with their bases. Without the use of catalysts, these alterations will not take place in various cases.

Pigments and Glitters: You’ll also require pigments or glitter powders if you wish to give your lure a specific color or sparkle effect.

A word of advice – Always read instructions carefully before choosing colors & glitters as some brands could react with different kinds of substances when mixed together!

Mixing Containers:Select high-quality mixing containers for mixing compounds without wasting time and raw materials cautiously.

There we have it! Now that we’ve got everything ready let’s get down to business & start creating beautiful baits that catches all sorts of fish under the waterline- so come prepared!

Where to buy the materials for making silicone fishing lures

If you’re interested in making your own custom silicone fishing lures, it’s important to know where to buy all of the necessary materials. Luckily, there are a few different options available depending on your preferences and location.

One option is to visit local sporting goods stores or bait shops that sell fishing supplies. These stores may carry some of the basic materials needed for producing silicone lures like molds, liquid plastic, and hooks. However, the selection may be limited.

An alternative would be to shop online at specialty retailers dedicated specifically to crafting fishing lures. Websites such as Barlow’s Tackle and Janns Netcraft offer an extensive variety of mold-making supplies, lure bodies, colorants, hooks, and other crucial components required for creating custom-made silicone lures.

“It’s important to choose high-quality ingredients when preparing homemade lures, ” says expert angler John “Toast” Oast. “If I can’t find what I need locally, my go-to resources are these respected online suppliers. “

Another benefit of buying from these specialized retailers is that they often include helpful instructions and advice with their products to ensure successful results. So if you’re just starting out making your own silicone fishing lures or looking to expand your expertise further by experimenting with unique designs and colors – ordering quality products from reputable online merchants is undoubtedly one way how. ”

Create a mold for your lure

Before making silicone fishing lures, you first need to make a mold of the bait that will be used as a model. Here are the steps in creating your own mold:

Step 1: Select an item to use as a model.

Choose the size and shape of the lure you want to create. Make sure it’s made up of materials that won’t stick or react with silicones such as plastics, metal, glass, or ceramic.

Step 2: Mix and pour a two-part silicone rubber into a mixing cup.

You can find the two-part silicone kit at any home improvement store. Use ones that are easy to mix and have low viscosity when pouring so they’ll capture fine details better.

Note: You can add color dyes if desired. Allow curing time according to manufacturer’s instructions before proceeding on next step.

Step 3: Pour new silicone mixture over original cast until level rise above your original item by one inch (5mm).

Cover your original item by pouring more of this mixture onto its top leaving another inch or two uncovered over them. Flatten surface using putty knife just enough for compressed air release; let harden again depending on how thick new layer is added. You’re now ready to demold newly created block readying it up for adding holes where hooks go through it! And there you have—made yourself some custom-shaped plastic fish bait which could certainly attract big walleye fishes swimming around near shorelines in rivers, lakes even oceans!

Types of molds for silicone fishing lures

If you want to make your own custom-made silicone fishing lures, the first step is to choose the right type of mold. There are several different types of molds available on the market:

1. Open Pour Molds: These molds are great for beginners and can be used multiple times. They come in a variety of shapes and sizes, from worms to crawfish.

2. Injection Molds: These molds require an injection machine, which heats up the plastic bait until it becomes liquid before pushing into a pre-formed cavity or through a nozzle onto open-opened pin connectors that create cavities within cured liquid material therein creating multi-cavity blocks with individual cavities for producing each part.

3. Spin Casting Molds: This type requires epoxy resin to harden rather than heat like other materials. The design will need some preparation time to ensure proper lubrication prior pouring so as not impede release process upon demolding finished product.

Note: It is important to follow manufacturer’s instructions carefully when working with casting equipment, especially when heating various ingredients at high temperatures.

4. Silicone RTV Molds:: These molds use silicone rubber that has been specially formulated for molding purposes but requires more curing time than other materials. Usually suited best when making intricate designs or those with fine details such as ribbing across scales.

Whether you’re an experienced angler looking for specific lure components or just learning what works best—for fly fishing, trolling techniques—or plan dabbling leisurely out on Pike’s Lake choosing quality products along with correct production methods including appropriate mold selection holds importance).

. With these options available pick one depending on your skillset required and budget availability while also adhering to manufacturer guidelines.

How to make a mold for your silicone fishing lure

Making custom silicone lures is not only fun but also saves you money. But, before diving into making the actual bait, it’s important first to create a reliable mold.

• Silicone molding material
• A model of the desired shape
• A plastic container
• A mixing cup or bowl and spoon

Follow these steps to start creating your mold:

1. Fill half of the plastic box with the silicone molding material then place model atop before adding more until it covers half of this as well. 2. Allow ample time for drying (normally it takes around twenty-four hours), so that it settles down appropriately.

If bubbles form at this stage, remove them by tapping gently on its sides using a light object like a pen cap.

3. Finish pouring in the rest of the silicone overtop, fully covering all aspects of what needs replicating entirely. 4. Let harden again overnight similarly allowing any additional air pockets to disappear completely. 5. Carefully take out both pieces from inside individual chunks carefully one by one without damaging anything too bad if possible!

You can now easily use this two-part mold repeatedly while admiring how much money saved along taking pride in craftsmanship created! Overall it doesn’t have a high-level difficulty when considering other materials produced through such unique procedures used at times!

Mix and pour the silicone

Now it’s time to mix and pour the silicone. Prepare a mixing bowl or cup, and add equal parts of Part A and Part B of your chosen silicone mixture.

Follow the manufacturer’s instructions on how much you should use based on the size of your mold. It’s essential to measure correctly because improper ratios can affect the curing process, making the final product unusable.

Once you have mixed both parts well together, try to eliminate any air bubbles by using either a vacuum chamber or popping them with a toothpick or needle. Make sure that there are no lumps or unmixed parts in your compound as this can likewise ruin your lure design output.

Note: Always wear gloves when handling liquid silicone products! The substances included here may contain chemical elements that could be harmful upon contact-

Pour slowly into each cavity until it fills up halfway- do not fill up all at once. Let it settle for about five to ten minutes so that any trapped air releases from under the surface after pouring before filling up again. Repeat till everything is molded completely.

You want to ensure that there are no bubbles or imperfections in each cast’s finish coat. Mistake marks such as these will distort your lure designs’ finishing results and performance out in water casting-and-catching activities-. Lastly, let it cure overnight (8 – 10 hours) maximum, depending on temperature adjustment, humidity levels. –

Choosing the right silicone for your fishing lure

If you’re planning to make your own custom lures, choosing the correct silicone is crucial. Here are some things to consider when selecting a material:

Type of mold: The type of mold you’ll be using will determine which silicone is best suited for the job. For example, platinum-cured silicones work well with multi-piece or complex molds.

Durometer: This refers to the softness or hardness of the material. Soft durometers are ideal for creating lifelike baits that have a realistic feel in the water and attract fish more effectively.

Curing time: Some materials cure quickly at room temperature while others need heat to harden. Make sure you choose a product that suits your needs and abilities.

“The quality of your finished lure depends heavily on choosing the right silicone. “

To sum up, it’s important to do your research before purchasing any materials for making fishing lures. Consider factors such as cost, durability, ease of use, and compatibility with other materials if you’re incorporating them into your design.

How to mix and pour the silicone for your fishing lure

If you’re looking to create your own silicone fishing lures, it’s essential that you know how to properly mix and pour the silicone. Not doing so could result in a poor-quality casting and wasted materials, which can be frustrating and costly.

The first step is to read the instructions on the packaging of your chosen silicone material carefully. You should follow these instructions closely as some products may have specific ratios or require different components altogether.

Next, use measuring cups or scales to accurately measure out each component before mixing them together thoroughly. It’s important not to skip any steps in this process to achieve consistent results every time.

It’s crucial that you work quickly but safely when pouring the mixed silicone into your molds, since certain kinds of silicones tend to solidify faster than others.

To prevent air bubbles from forming during pouring, hold the mold at an angle with one end higher than the other while slowly pouring in liquid silicon until near fullness, then gently tapping against surface area allowing embedded gas escape naturally upwards before adding more towards completely filling cavity.

In order to get clean edges for optimal shaping and trimming down later stages like sanding or painting – pay extra attention mould preparation process by vacuuming away debris such as plaster bits etc. , releasing agents done beforehand are critical too!

Add color and scent

In order to attract fish, you can add color and scent to your silicone fishing lures. Coloring the lure makes it more visible in murky waters while adding scents like garlic or salt attracts fish towards the bait.

To add color to the silicone fishing lures, you can use liquid pigments specifically designed for coloring plastics. These pigments mix easily with the soft plastic material of a silicone lure giving them vibrant hues that last long even after continuous use.

If you want to add scents to your silicone fishing lures, there are many commercially available scents on the market made especially for this purpose. You can also create your own scent by mixing different essential oils directly into melted plastic during production.

Pro tip: If using DIY oil-scenting method, be careful not to overdo as too much oil will make your lure float instead of sinking properly so only use sparingly.

A well-designed silicone fishing lure combined with eye-catching colors and irresistible fragrance is sure to grab any fishes’ attention. It’s an excellent way for anglers of all levels – from beginners just learning their craft to veteran fishermen looking for something new -to catch bigger and better fish.

What type of color and scent to use for silicone fishing lures

The color and scent you choose can make a big difference in the success of your silicone fishing lure. When selecting colors, consider the fish species you are targeting and their preferred prey. For example, if you are trying to catch bass, natural-looking green or brown hues may be most effective.

You can also experiment with brighter colors that grab the attention of fish in murky water or low-light conditions. Fluorescent pinks and oranges can work well in these situations.

Scented lures can further enhance your chances of success by appealing to a fish’s sense of smell. Fish attractants such as garlic, crawfish, shad, and anise oil are some popular options to mix into your silicone mixture before pouring it into the mold.

Keep in mind that too much scent could repel rather than attract fish! Start with just a few drops and see how they perform on your next trip.

If you’re not sure what color or scent to use, ask other anglers in your area or consult local bait shops for recommendations tailored to the specific waterways you plan on fishing. Happy casting!

How to add color and scent to your silicone fishing lure

Silicone fishing lures are an excellent choice for anglers because they’re durable, easy-to-use, and come in a wide range of shapes and sizes. Whether you’re fishing in freshwater or saltwater, adding some color and scent to your silicone lure can help increase your chances of catching fish.

The first step is to choose the right type of coloring agent for your silicone lure. You can use either liquid pigments or powder dyes that are intended for use with silicone products. Make sure to mix the coloring agent thoroughly into the uncured silicone before molding it into the desired shape.

To add scent to your lure, consider using artificial scents made specifically for fishing lures. These scents often mimic natural prey species like crayfish or minnows and can attract predatory fish looking for an easy meal. Alternatively, you can try injecting a small amount of flavoring oil directly into the body of your silicone bait with a syringe.

“Adding color and scent to your silicone fishing lures is an effective way to increase their effectiveness on the water. ”

In addition to these basic steps, there are many other ways to customize your silicone lures such as by adding glitter or reflective flakes that help catch light underwater or by incorporating fur or feathers into the design for added realism.

By following these simple tips and getting creative with how you customize your silicone fishing lures, you’ll be well on your way towards catching more fish on every trip!

Cure the silicone

Once you have poured the silicone into your mold to create your fishing lure, it is important to properly cure it before removing it from the mold. Curing is a process where the silicone hardens and becomes solid enough for use as a fishing lure.

The first step in curing your silicone fishing lures is to leave them untouched in the molds for at least 24 hours. However, allowing more time can only improve their durability. After that initial period has passed, check on the lures periodically by gently tapping them or pressing them with your finger to see if they are still tacky.

If they are still tacky after 24 hours of curing, leave them be for another 24-48 hours before checking again. Once they no longer feel sticky or wet to the touch and feel firm like plastic, then they are ready to remove from the mold and start catching fish!

“Remember: patience is key when making silicone fishing lures. Rushing through any part of these steps will result in a subpar final product. ”

Curing your silicone fishing lures correctly will ensure that they last long and hold up well against multiple catches. Whether you’re looking to catch bass, trout, catfish or other types of fish, using high-quality cured silicone lures can greatly increase your chances of success on the water.

How long to let the silicone cure for your fishing lure

Silicone fishing lures have become increasingly popular among anglers as they are durable, versatile and effective in catching different types of fish. However, making a high-quality silicone fishing lure requires some patience and proper curing time. In this article, we will guide you on how long it takes for silicone to cure for making your very own professional-looking silicone fishing lures.

The general rule of thumb is that allowing at least 24 hours but up to 72 hours before removing the mold away from the cured silicone resin would result in excellent results. Remember that factors such as humidity and temperature can affect the curing time so always check the manufacturer’s instructions on recommended times or consult an expert if unsure with one’s methods.

In some instances where ambient temperatures tend to be lower than usual, speeding up the curing process by warming both parts A & B can help save precious production time. Just make sure that you’re careful not to overheat or burn them which may cause warps, uneven surfaces and unwelcome adhesion issues between material layers. ” – says Jonathan Baker, Senior Product Manager at Smooth-On Inc.

Curing time provides ample opportunity for silicones’ crosslinking molecular chains to fully bond together by releasing acetic acid into its surrounding environment. If used prematurely before it has had sufficient curing time, chemical bonding of the resins might compromise resulting in less tough materials like rubbery substances that break easily when handling examples include bend testing or extreme impacts leading towards frequent bouts of unsatisfactory outcomes causing disruptions in confidence levels amongst angling enthusiasts.

To sum up, taking enough time letting your molded bait sit prepper thickened properly using traditional room-cured techniques should give lasting quality creation minimizing artifacts unwanted cracks failures during use whether suited outdoor submerged habitat conditions strong currents common in running water streams or murky freshwater ponds.

Tips for curing your silicone fishing lure

Silicone lures have been used in the fishing industry for years due to their durability and versatility. If you want to enjoy the benefits of this type of lure, it’s essential to know how to cure them correctly.

Here are a few tips that will help ensure your silicone fishing lures come out perfectly:

1. Use high-quality materials: The quality of your materials matters when making silicon fishing lures. Invest in high-quality molds, pigments, softeners, hardeners, and resins. This will provide excellent results with minimum efforts from your end while producing long-lasting designs.

2. Mix materials thoroughly: When working on these types of baits is mixing adequately the ingredients that make up your lure carefully so that they can mold properly with no bubbles or bumps into the final product.

3. Cure at optimal temperature:Curing temperatures vary depending on preferences but usually range between 60 -75 degrees Celsius (140-167 F) Set time accordingly establish Inconsistent exposure may produce unwanted finish output such surface issues like sticking strands unsetting colorations uneven bulges etc. .

“Taking extra care in maintaining consistency and precision in every step guarantees an effective result. “

a conclusion,

If you’re new in DIYs or even professional ones who seek guidance on how-to-make Silicone Fishing Lure kit at home without failure still looking accurate output after drying off the resin solution efficiently cured using practical steps then following these simple instructions above offers great insight starting point capable helping achieve desired appearance desire start recreating fresh masterpieces each time gone embarking new journey underwater region.

Finish your lure

Once you have poured silicone into the mold to create your desired fishing lure, it’s time to add some finishing touches. Here are a few steps you can take to make sure your silicone fishing lures look and perform their best:

Cut off any excess silicone: Use a sharp blade or scissors to trim away any excess silicone around the edges of the lure. This will give it a clean, polished look.

Add hooks: Depending on the type of fish you’re targeting, adding hooks may vary in numbers and placement. You can buy pre-made hook rigs designed for certain types of lures, but customizing the amount of hooks and location is recommended as not all conditions work well with pre-set riggings.

Create texture: To increase the attractiveness of your lures to fish use tools like tooth brush bristles or sandpaper to roughen up its surface texture before pouring liquid plastic onto it if using pourable plastics.

“Adding eyes adds realism, provokes strikes from predatory species”

Add eyes: Once the lure has dried properly, adding eyes made out of paint or small plastic craft items creates that realistic appearance which leads to more bait-based attacks by predator species interested in feeding upon prey they consider more vulnerable when not paying attention.

Regardless which finishing touch(es) you apply these steps go a long way in ensuring that each cast is as productive than ever!

How to remove the lure from the mold

If you are making silicone fishing lures, then knowing how to release the lure once it has cured is essential. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to do just that:

Before starting, make sure your hands are clean and free of any oils or residue.

Step 1: Remove the molds carefully. Hold onto the edges of both sides of the mold, firmly pulling them apart without bending them. If any resistance is felt when separating, gently wiggle until they come off smoothly.

Step 2: Once the mold is removed, flip over and support with one hand while using gentle pressure on each side to ease out of its cavity. Some parts might be more difficult than others; in this case twisting or wiggling can help loosen things up.

Step 3: Once released from all sides, turn your attention to removing leftover flashing and sprues. This requires careful trimming with scissors or clippers so as not to damage your newly made lure in the process!

TIP: Keep an eye on your trimmings! You can often use these scraps for future bait-making needs if there are still decent chunks left over after shaping.

Congratulations! Now that you’ve successfully learned how to remove silicone fishing lures from their molds you’re ready to begin crafting your next batch with confidence.

How to add hooks and other finishing touches to your silicone fishing lure

Once you have made your silicone fishing lures, it is vital that you finish them off properly. This includes adding hooks, eyes, and any other necessary components.

The first step in adding hooks to your silicone fishing lure is choosing the right hook size for your bait. The easiest way to do this is by holding up a hook next to your bait and choose the one that fits snugly without extending beyond its natural shape.

To attach the hook securely, use a strong adhesive like Super Glue or epoxy. Start by applying some glue on the belly of your bait where the hook will be placed. Position the hook with its shank buried into the silicone body and facing upwards then press firmly until secure.

Note: If you’re using treble hooks instead of single hooks, make sure they are positioned evenly so that they don’t tangle with each other while casting or retrieving.

Aside from attaching hooks onto your silicone lures, other finishing touches can also improve their versatility and performance in different conditions. Some examples include:

• Addition of colored dots or stripes along the length of your lure can increase visibility both above and below water surface
• Fish Attractant Sprays can boost scent profiles which attract more fish towards biting
• You may create weedless versions if needed (by inserting soft wire through appropriate holes / channels; tie line eye at front end)

In conclusion, proper finishing techniques when crafting synthetic baits ensure maximum success rates out there during various sportfishing escapades!

Frequently Asked Questions